Daily Devotions
Genesis
"Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies." Psalm 40:4
Text: Genesis 21:1-34
EVIDENCE OF THE LORD’S BLESSINGS
It was the Lord who told Abimelech that Abraham was His prophet! As Abimelech observed the life of Abraham, he could not but conclude that God’s hand was in his life indeed. On one occasion, Abimelech spoke to Abraham and said,
“God is with you in all that you do.
now therefore, swear to me by God
that you will not deal falsely with me,
with my offspring or with my posterity;
but that according to my kindness that I have done to you,
you will do to me and to the land in which you have dwelt.”GENESIS 21:22-23
“God is with you in all that you do…”
The evidence was overwhelming. In Abimelech’s experience, no foreigner dwelling in his land had succeeded as Abraham had! There could be only one explanation – God was indeed with Abraham!
“Swear to me by God…”
Abimelech was an astute ruler indeed. He knew that if Abraham continued to prosper as he did, his very rule could be endangered! The best way seemed to be to negotiate some kind of a treaty with Abraham that would guarantee his safety, that of his posterity and also the land! No treaty could be more solemn than one that involved the name of God in an oath!
“According to my kindness…”
Abimelech must have been glad that he had shown kindness to Abraham. That was now the basis of his appeal to establish a treaty. He asked no more from Abraham than the kindness he had displayed!
WHAT A TURN-AROUND!
Abraham had come to the land of Gerar, fearful of the reign of Abimelech. He thought that the fear of God was not in the land! But God was everywhere. His Presence made all the difference!
In place of fear, Abraham exercised faith. And God blessed Abraham so abundantly, that this time round, Abimelech feared Abraham and sought to establish a treaty with him!
THE RESPONSE OF ABRAHAM
How should Abraham respond? He wanted to assure Abimelech that he could never harm the innocent. It was not in him to deal falsely with people. To the proposal of a treaty, Abraham said, “I will swear.” (Genesis 21:24)